UW Oshkosh students who travel to Washington and Madison for research poster sessions do more than illuminate what their research has taught them. They also serve as luminaries who educate leaders about the value of undergraduate research.

The December 1998 issue of Council on Undergraduate Research Quarterly quotes UW LaCrosse biologist David Howard:

Students involved in research are often some of the highest achievers in any institution, and they generally present a good face for research and your institute. The memory of an excited student sharing the results of his/her work is a powerful image for a legislator to carry into debates of your state’s educational goals and budget.

While research poster sessions are a valuable public relations tool, students themselves benefit from the experience. Hands-on, active learning through research experiences can be more meaningful than sitting in a lecture hall. Howard said the sessions allow students to present in the poster format, rather than the lecture format typical of undergraduate conferences. Additionally, student researchers get the opportunity to be lobbyists for a day and to make valuable contacts with business and community leaders.

Posters on the Hill, Washington, D.C.

In spring 2004, two UW Oshkosh students were among 80 from across the nation who presented posters about their research to members of Congress. Amanda Boeker and Valerie Brandt, who documented their research of the devastating impact of the mid-1950s polio epidemic in the Fox Valley, participated in Posters on the Hill, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research.

The two women worked on the project with Stephen Kercher (History). “This was a very impressive effort,” he said. Kercher accompanied the students to Washington, where they summarized their research to members of Congress, federal agency officials and invited guests.

“This was quite an honor for these two aspiring young scholars and their mentor,” said Linda Freed, director, UW Oshkosh Office of Grants and Faculty Development.

It’s not too soon to start thinking about the 2006 Posters on the Hill. Students may submit abstracts of their research in the following disciplines: biology, chemistry, geosciences, mathematics, computer science, physics/astronomy, psychology and social sciences. For more information, go to www.cur.org/pohcall.html.

Posters in the Rotunda, Madison

Closer to home, UW Oshkosh students showcase their research at Posters in the Rotunda: A Celebration of Undergraduate Research. This event, which is sponsored by the UW System grants officers and the UW System Government Affairs Office, is held in the State Capitol Rotunda. Undergraduate researchers and their faculty advisers from across the UW System share research findings with university representatives, elected officials and members of the public.

On April 7, the following students presented at Posters in the Rotunda: Erik Englebert, Amanda Griesbach, Candace Otte, Anthony Schneider, Bethany Watts and Amanda Weigle.